Defense Minister Katz warns Syrian rebel leaders pose 'immediate risks' to Israel despite efforts to appear moderate

In a discussion with members of the Nagel Commission Sunday evening, Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of “growing threats” in Syria despite the removal of the Bashar al-Assad regime. 

“Israel must be able to defend itself, on its own, against any threat,” Katz told the Nagel Commission. 

The Nagel Commission was established in August by Netanyahu to formulate “recommendations on the force building needs and the security budget in the coming decade.”

“The immediate risks to the country have not disappeared and the recent developments in Syria are increasing the intensity of the threat, despite the rebel leaders seeking to present a semblance of moderation,” Katz told the commission. 

Katz’ statements come despite comments from the current de facto leader of Syria, Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, stating that the new government does not seek a new conflict. 

In an interview with Syria TV last week, al-Sharaa said, “Syria’s war-weary condition, after years of conflict and war, does not allow for new confrontations. The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction.” 

On Saturday, al-Sharaa said that Israel is using false pretexts to justify its strikes in the country. 

The Israeli government said it carried out multiple strikes to prevent critical strategic weapons from the Assad regime, which could be used to harm Israel, from falling into the hands of jihadist groups in Syria, some of which have publicly stated their intent to “liberate Jerusalem.” 

On Friday, Katz instructed the IDF soldiers stationed on the Syrian peak of Mount Hermon to prepare to maintain a presence there throughout the winter, to prevent the strategic location from being used by hostile groups. 

Defense Minister Katz also ordered additional IDF units to occupy the buffer zone between the Israeli border fence and Syrian Army defensive positions, which were abandoned by Assad’s soldiers following the collapse of the regime. 

At the time, Netanyahu said, “Israel will not permit jihadi groups to fill that vacuum and threaten Israeli communities on the Golan Heights with October 7th-style attacks. That is why Israeli forces entered the buffer zone and took control of strategic sites near Israel’s border.” He went on to say, “This deployment is temporary until a force that is committed to the 1974 agreement can be established and security on our border can be guaranteed.”